Cancer treatment composition and method using signal transduction modulators and natural plant essential oils as synergists for conventional treatments

Abstract

Pharmaceutical compositions containing plant essential oil compounds, natural or synthetic, or mixtures or derivatives thereof, with one or more signal transduction modulators, for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No 60/111,271, filed Dec. 7,1998, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to therapeutically effective pharmaceutical compositions containing conventional cancer treatments in combination with signal transduction modulators and/or natural plant essential oils, and methods for using same for prophylactically or therapeutically treating of soft tissue cancer in mammals, including humans, such as, for example, breast cancer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Breast cancer is a proliferative disease of mammary epithelial cells and estrogen has been shown to stimulate cell proliferation of these cells both in culture and in mice (Soto and Sonnenschein, 1985; Osborne, 1988). Xenoestrogens have been proposed to stimulate cell proliferation through binding and activating estrogen receptors (ERs) (Miller et al., 1993; Hoffman, 1992). The incidence of breast cancer has been steadily rising during the past two or three decades, a trend characterized by increasing rates among estrogen-responsive tumors, by continuing increases among older women, and by growing numbers in both developed and developing countries (Harris et al., 1992). Between 1973-1980, the incidence of breast cancer in the United States increased a modest 8% among women under 50 years of age, while it rose 32.1% among women in the age group of 50 years or older (Ries et al., 1991). This upward shift is consistent with the historical pattern of accumulation of organochlorine insecticides residues (xenoestrogens) in the environment (Mussalo-Rauhamaa et al., 1990; Wolff et al., 1993; Davis et al., 1993). Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women and it is estimated that in 1998, there will be an additional 43,900 deaths due to breast cancer. Environmental estrogens or endocrine disruptors have been suggested to play a role in the etiology or promotion of breast cancer (Davis et al., 1993; Dewailly et al., 1995). Experimental evidence reveals that xenoestrogens affect estrogen production and metabolism and are among the risk factors that cause breast cancer (Nelson, 1974; Berthois et al., 1986; Henderson et al., 1993; Jobling et al., 1996; Dees et al., 1997). Most of the known risk factors for breast cancer, which at least account for 30% of cases (Henderson et al., 1993) are linked with total life-time exposure to reproductive chemicals such as estrogen and xenoestrogens.

[0004] It appears evident that soft tissue cancer in mammals is increasing every year as a result of increased estrogen levels and increased exposure to environmental xenoestrogens. For example, the number of prescriptions of estrogen for women in menopause is rapidly increasing, presently estimated at 50,000,000 prescriptions annually in the United States alone. This increasing use of estrogen partially accounts for the higher risk of breast cancer in both young and middle-aged women. Estrogen is present in all mammals and is essential in women for reproductive organs such as ovary, uterus, breast, etc. In men, however, estrogen is required for sperm production and maturation. The abusive use of estrogen prescribed for women is at least partially responsible for the development of soft tissue cancers, especially breast cancer. It is therefore desirable to antagonize or counteract the adverse effects of estrogen in women.

[0005] The current FDA-approved treatments, e.g., tamoxifen, in the United States are effective to some extent in some of the female population in antagonizing the adverse effects of estrogen. Unfortunately, these treatments are not totally effective and may themselves cause additional health related effects, such as uterine cancer. Thus, if one could identify compounds that would make the current treatments more effective, or would work in conjunction with, or in lieu of, the present treatments, it is possible some of these adverse side effects would be alleviated or even eliminated. Possible sources of alternative treatments are natural, non-toxic compounds. It is proposed that these compounds would advantageously provide for safer and more effective treatments.

[0006] The current literature suggests the use of certain signal transduction modulators as treatments for breast and colon cancer. The use of certain monoterpenoid plant essential oils (alpha-terpineol, linalool, and limonene) is also suggested as a potential treatment for breast cancer. These monoterpenoids however are not totally effective and have been proven to be weak anti-proliferative cancer products. In addition, these data do not suggest the capability of these compounds to antagonize the action of estrogen. This may raise the question of how this product may interact in women with estrogen supplement. None of the data disclose the synergistic effects of plant essential oils and/or signal transduction modulators in combination with conventional treatments to enhance the anti-proliferative and anti-estrogenic effects of the current treatments without the corresponding increase in related health risks.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a great need for novel compositions containing current anti-cancer treatments in combination with novel ingredients to improve the effective treatment of soft tissue cancer and to reduce the adverse effects of such current anti-cancer treatments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide novel compositions containing beneficial mixtures of current treatments for soft tissue cancer with non-toxic plant essential oils, or derivatives thereof, and/or one or more signal transduction modulators, for the safe and effective treatment of soft tissue cancer.

[0009] The above and other objects are accomplished by the present invention which is directed to novel pharmaceutical compositions for prophylactically or therapeutically treating soft tissue cancers. The inventive compositions comprise at least one plant essential oil compound and/or at least one signal transduction modulator in admixture with a conventional cancer treatment, e.g., tamoxifen.

[0010] Additional objects and attendant advantages of the present invention will be set forth, in part, in the description that follows, or may be learned from practicing or using the present invention. The objects and advantages may be realized and attained by means of the features and combinations particularly recited in the appended claims. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not to be viewed as being restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly appreciated from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows the concentration-response of tamoxifen and forskolin against estrogen-induced (E2-induced) proliferation in breast cancer cells.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows the mixed exposure effect of tamoxifen (TX) and geldanamycin (GM) on E2-induced growth in breast cancer cells.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows the mixed exposure effect of forskolin (FK) with tamoxifen (TX), and geldanamycin (GM) with TX on E2-induced growth in breast cancer cells.

[0015] FIG. 4 shows the time-course effect of tamoxifen (TX) alone and TX plus forskolin (FK) on E2-induced growth in breast cancer cells. Data was calculated as percentage of control value.

[0016] FIG. 5 shows the time-course effect of tamoxifen (TX) and TX plus forskolin (FK) on E2-induced growth in breast cancer cells. Data is calculated as percentage of E2-induced cell growth.

[0017] FIG. 6 shows the mixed exposure effect of tamoxifen (TX, 1 &mgr;M) and forskolin (FK, 5 &mgr;M) on the growth of breast cancer cells.

[0018] FIG. 7 shows the mixed exposure effect of tamoxifen (TX, 1 &mgr;M) and forskolin (FK, 1 &mgr;M) on the growth of breast cancer cells.

[0019] FIG. 8 shows the effect of different concentrations of geldanamycin, the c-Src kinase inhibitor and tamoxifen (TX) on the growth of breast cancer cells.

[0020] FIG. 9 shows the mixed exposure effect of tamoxifen (TX, 5 &mgr;M) and mitogen activated protein kinase, MAPK, inhibitor, PD98059 (2 &mgr;M) on the growth of breast cancer cells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] All patents, patent applications and literatures cited in this description are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the case of inconsistencies, the present disclosure, including definitions, will prevail.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a novel pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one plant essential oil compound derived from either natural or synthetic sources and at least one signal transduction modulator including mixtures or derivatives of plant essential oil compound. In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a novel pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-cancer treatment, such as tamoxifen, at least one plant essential oil compound derived from either natural or synthetic sources or mixtures or derivatives plant essential oil compounds, and/or at least one signal transduction modulator.

[0023] The specific plant essential oils disclosed herein or derivative thereof comprise a monocyclic, carbocyclic ring structure having six-members and substituted by at least one oxygenated or hydroxyl functional moiety. Examples of plant essential oils encompassed within the present invention, include, but are not limited to, members selected from the group consisting of aldehyde C16 (pure), amyl cinnamic aldehyde, amyl salicylate, anisic aldehyde, benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, a-terpineol, carvacrol, carveol, citral, citronellal, citronellol, p-cymene, diethyl phthalate, dimethyl salicylate, dipropylene glycol, eucalyptol (cineole), eugenol, iso-eugenol, galaxolide, geraniol, guaiacol, ionone, d-limonene, menthol, methyl anthranilate, methyl ionone, methyl salicylate, &agr;-phellandrene, pennyroyal oil perillaldehyde, 1- or 2-phenyl ethyl alcohol, 1- or 2-phenyl ethyl propionate, piperonal, piperonyl acetate, piperonyl alcohol, D-pulegone, terpinen4-ol, terpinyl acetate, 4-tert butylcyclohexyl acetate, thyme oil, thymol, metabolites of trans-anethole, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, and the like. As these plant essential oil compounds are known and used for a variety of other purposes, they may be prepared by a skilled artisan by employing known methods.

[0024] The above plant essential oil compounds can also be administered in combination with at least one signal transduction modulator. Non-limiting examples of signal transduction modulators include members selected from the group consisting of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/cAMP-dependent protein kinase, tyrosine kinase, calcium phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (PKC), mitogen activated protein kinase family members, calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, and growth factor receptor inhibitors. Specific non-limiting examples of such signal transduction modulators include octopamine, forskolin, PD98059, geldanamycin and genistein, and staurosporin. When the plant essential oil compounds of the present invention are administered in combination therapies with other agents, they may be administered sequentially or concurrently to a patient in need of treatment.

[0025] The above plant essential oil compounds and signal transduction modulators of the present invention may be purchased from conventional sources, may be readily isolated from specific plants or trees and purified (isolated) or may be synthesized using conventional techniques. Advantageously, these compounds may be conveniently synthesized from readily available starting materials. The relative ease with which the compounds of this invention can be obtained represents an enormous advantage in the large-scale production of these compounds.

[0026] It will be appreciated that the therapeutically-active plant essential oil compounds of the present invention may be modified or derivatized by appending appropriate functionalities, i.e., functional groups, to enhance selective biological properties. Such modifications are known in the art and include those that increase biological penetration into a given biological compartment (e.g., blood, lymphatic system, central nervous system), increase oral availability, increase solubility to allow administration by injection, alter metabolism and alter rate of excretion. In addition, the plant essential oil compounds may be altered to pro-drug form such that the desired therapeutically-active form of the compound is created in the body of the patient as the result of the action of metabolic or other biochemical processes on the pro-drug. Some examples of pro-drug forms include ketal, acetal, oxime, and hydrazone forms of compounds which contain ketone or aldehyde groups.

[0027] Moreover, the therapeutically-effective plant essential oil compounds of the present invention may contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms and thus may occur as racemates and racemic mixtures, single enantiomers, diastereomeric mixtures and individual diastereomers. Each stereogenic carbon may be of the R or S configuration. All such isomeric forms of these compounds are expressly included within the purview of the present invention.

[0028] As will be appreciated, the compositions and method of the present invention include pharmaceutical compositions that comprise at least one plant essential oil, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, in combination with any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or adjuvant” refers to a carrier or adjuvant that may be administered to a patient, together with a plant essential oil compound of the present invention, and which does not destroy the pharmacological activity thereof and is nontoxic when administered in doses sufficient to deliver a therapeutic amount of the compound.

[0029] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the plant essential oil compounds of this invention include those derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of suitable acid salts include, without limitation, acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, glycolate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, palmoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate. Other acids, such as oxalic, while not in themselves pharmaceutically acceptable, may be employed in the preparation of salts useful as intermediates in obtaining the compounds of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts.

[0030] Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal (e.g., sodium), alkaline earth metal (e.g., magnesium), ammonium and N-(C1-4 alkyl)4+salts. The present invention also envisions the quatemization of any basic nitrogen-containing groups of the compounds disclosed herein. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products may be obtained by such quaternization.

[0031] Further, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles that may be used in the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) such as d.alpha-tocopherol polyethyleneglycol 1000 succinate, or other similar polymeric delivery matrices or systems, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol and wool fat. Cyclodextrins such as alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrin, or chemically modified derivatives such as hydroxyalkylcyclodextrins, including 2- and 3-hydroxypropyl-.beta.-cyclodextrins, or other solublized derivatives may also be advantageously used to enhance delivery of therapeutically-effective plant essential oil compounds of the present invention.

[0032] The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir, however, oral administration or administration by injection is preferred. The-pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may contain any conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants or vehicles. In some cases, the pH of the formulation may be adjusted with pharmaceutically acceptable acids, bases or buffers to enhance the stability of the formulated compound or its delivery form. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous, intracutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarticular, intrasynovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intralesional and intracranial injection or infusion techniques.

[0033] The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable preparation, for example, as a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents (such as, for example, Tween 80) and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are mannitol, water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives are useful in the preparation of injectables, as are natural pharmaceutically-acceptable oils, such as olive oil or castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant such as Ph. Helv or a similar alcohol.

[0034] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, and aqueous suspensions and solutions. In the case of tablets for oral use, carriers which are commonly used include lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueous suspensions are administered orally, the active ingredient is combined with emulsifying and suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening and/or flavoring and/or coloring agents may be added.

[0035] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may also be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration. These compositions can be prepared by mixing a compound of this invention with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at room temperature but liquid at the rectal temperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the active components. Such materials include, but are not limited to, cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycol.

[0036] Although rare, topical administration of the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention is especially useful when the desired treatment involves areas or organs readily accessible by topical application. For application topically to the skin, the pharmaceutical composition should be formulated with a suitable ointment containing the active components suspended or dissolved in a carrier. Carriers for topical administration of the compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, liquid petroleum, white petroleum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, the pharmaceutical composition can be formulated with a suitable lotion or cream containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in a carrier. Suitable carriers include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyidodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water. The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also be topically applied to the lower intestinal tract by rectal suppository formulation or in a suitable enema formulation. Topically-transdermal patches are also included in this invention.

[0037] The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation. Such compositions are prepared according to techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline, employing benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability, fluorocarbons, and/or other solubilizing or dispersing agents known in the art.

[0038] Another acceptable pharmaceutical preparation would be an encapsulated form of the plant essential oil compounds, as is, or modified as per the prior descriptions. The walls of the capsules could be designed to release the plant essential oils rapidly, i.e. one minute, hour or day, or it could be designed to release over some designated period of time, i.e. days, weeks or months. The wall materials could be natural or synthetic is polymers acceptable to the US FDA or composed of lipids or other suitable materials.

[0039] These capsules could be delivered either orally or by injection and could be either water or oil based depending upon the desired method of use or required rate of release.

[0040] Dosage levels of between about 0.001 and about 100 mg/kg body weight per day, preferably between about 0.5 and about 75 mg/kg body weight per day of the active ingredient compound are useful in the prevention and treatment of soft tissue cancers. Typically, the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention will be administered from about 1 to about 5 times per day or alternatively, as a continuous infusion. Such administration can be used as a chronic or acute therapy. The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration. A typical preparation will contain from about 5% to about 95% active compound (w/w). Preferably, such preparations contain from about 20% to about 80% active compound.

[0041] Upon improvement of a patient's condition, a maintenance dose of a compound, composition or combination of this invention may be administered, if necessary. Subsequently, the dosage or frequency of administration, or both, may be reduced, as a function of the symptoms, to a level at which the improved condition is retained when the symptoms have been alleviated to the desired level, treatment should cease. Patients may, however, require intermittent treatment on a long-term basis upon any recurrence of disease symptoms.

[0042] The prophylactic use of the present invention may require the daily intake of a prophylactically-effective amount.

[0043] As the skilled artisan will appreciate, lower or higher doses than those recited above may be required. Specific dosage and treatment regimens for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors, including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health status, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity and course of a cancer, the patient's disposition to cancer and the judgment of the treating physician.

[0044] The compositions and methods of the present invention will be further illustrated in the following non-limiting Examples that show the synergistic effects of signal transduction modulators with tamoxifen. When reading the following examples, it will be appreciated that the growth and proliferation of MCF-7 cells are strictly estrogen-dependent. In the presence of estrogen, the cells grow, confluent and form foci, the landmark of tumor diagnosis. In the absence of estrogen, the growth of these cells is slow and the formation of foci is rare. The following Examples are illustrative of various embodiments only and do- not limit the claimed invention regarding the materials, conditions, weight ratios, process parameters and the like recited herein. Examples 14 exemplify, inter alia, the present invention against breast cancer in menopausal women who are taking estrogen supplement. Examples 5-7 exemplify, inter alia, the present invention against breast cancer in pre-menopausal women and/or elderly women who are not taking estrogen supplement, but have potential risk factors to develop breast cancer.

Example 1

[0045] Dose-Response of Tamoxifen on Estrogen (E2)-Induced Cell Proliferation MCF-7 cells were cultured in growth DMEM medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). At 85% confluence, cells were sub-cultured in 5% FBS serum stripped medium, phenol red free for 24 hours prior to the treatment of the test chemical. Cells were treated with 10 nM E2 (=2.7 ng E2/ml) with and without different concentrations of tamoxifen (TX) 24 hours prior to cell proliferation assessment. Cell proliferation was measured using 3H-thymidine incorporation. The study was done in triplicate and a control was used with solvent only. Control received solvent only at <0.1% ethanol.

[0046] Results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, percentage of control is calculated either based on the control (solvent only, ethanol 0.1%) or based on the E2 values which is between parenthesis. 1 TABLE 1 Dose-Response Effect of TX 3H-thymidine incorporation Test dpm/&mgr;g % of % Treatment Conc. dpm protein control protection Control  1993 306.6 100 (solvent only) E2 10 nM 16388 483.4 157 proliferation TX  1 &mgr;M  2586 129.3  42 58 TX + E2 12336 379.6 124 (79) proliferation (21) TX  5 &mgr;M  1848 112.0  36 64 TX + E2  4007 260.2  85 (53) 15 (47) TX 10 &mgr;M  1545  99.8  33 67 TX + E2  3239 118.5  39 (25) 61 (75)

[0047] Table 1 demonstrates that the antagonistic action of TX against the E2-induced cell proliferation is dose-dependent. TX at low concentrations between 0.56 ug/ml to 2.8 ug/ml (=1 - 5 &mgr;M) is potent against the E2-induced cell proliferation.

Example 2

[0048] Dose-response of Signal Transduction Modulators on E2-Induced Cell Proliferation To determine the impact of two key signaling proteins, cAMP/PKA system and tyrosine kinase family member, c-Src kinase (psrc60) on estrogen-induced cell proliferation in human epithelial breast cancer cells, MCF-7 cells were cultured in growth DMEM medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). At 85% confluence, cells were sub-cultured in 5% FBS serum stripped medium, phenol red free for 24 hours prior to the treatment of the test chemical. Cells were treated with 10 nM E2 (=2.7 ng E2/ml) with and without different concentrations (1-10 &mgr;M=0.41-4.1 &mgr;g/ml) of CAMP inducer, forskolin (FK) and c-Src kinase inhibitor geldanamycin (GM) 24 hours prior to cell proliferation assessment. Tamoxifen (TX) was used in parallel as positive control. Cell proliferation was measured using 3H-thymidine incorporation. The study was done in triplicate and a control was used with solvent only. Control received solvent only at <0.1% ethanol. Results are shown in Table 2 and FIG. 1. 2 TABLE 2 Dose-Response Effect on E2 Induced MCF-7 Cell Proliferation 3H-Thymidine incorporation/&mgr;g protein Treatment (% of control) % protection Control 100 E2 (10 nM) 290 proliferation In the presence of 10 nM E2 FK 1 &mgr;M 34 66 FK 5 &mgr;M 22 78 FK 10 &mgr;M 14 86 TX 1 &mgr;M 79 21 TX 5 &mgr;M 54 46 TX 10 &mgr;M 25 75 GM 1 ng/ml no effect none GM 5 ng/ml no effect none GM 10 ng/ml 94 6

[0049] Table 2 illustrates that a) cAMP/PKA cascade, and estrogen receptor pathway are involved in the cancer cell proliferation, b) the antiestrogenic action of TX and FK is dose-dependent, and c) GM, the c-Src kinase inhibitor, at 10 ng/ml did not inhibit the E2-induced cell proliferation.

Example 3

[0050] Effect of FK or GM on TX Efficacy Against E2-Induced Cell Proliferation

[0051] MCF-7 cells were cultured in growth DMEM medium supplemented with 10% fetal 10 bovine serum (FBS). At 85% confluence, cells were sub-cultured in 5% FBS serum stripped medium, phenol red free for 24 hours prior to the treatment of the test chemical. Cells were treated with 10 nM E2 (=2.7 ng E2/ml) with and without two concentrations of FK (1 and 5 &mgr;M =0.41 and 2.05 pg FK/ml). In another experiment cells were treated with 10 nM E2 (=2.7 ng E2/ml) with three concentraion of GM (1, 5 and 10 ng/ml) 24 hours prior to cell proliferation assessment. Tamoxifen (TX) was used in parallel as positive control. Cell proliferation was measured using 3H-thymidine incorporation. The study was done in triplicate and a control was used with solvent only. Control received solvent only at <0.1% ethanol. Results are shown in Tables 3 and 4 and FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0052] The data in Table 3 shows that the synergistic action between TX and FK depends on the ratio between the two chemicals when they are applied as a mixture. The ratio recommended is 1 part TX: 3.7 parts FK, based on &mgr;g of active ingredient per ml. In addition, although GM alone did not antagonize the estrogenic activity of E2, it was able to increase the efficacy of TX significantly (Table 4). Our data showed that when 10 ng GM/ml was mixed with 5 &mgr;M TX (=2.8 ug TX/ml), a 75% protection (vs 46% protection by 5 &mgr;M TX alone) was revealed (Table 4). Another confirmation for the synergistic action of GM on TX against E2-induced breast cancer cell growth emerged from the data in FIG. 2. These data illustrate that 1 &mgr;M of TX provides an approximate 25% protection against the biological activity of E2. In the presence of 10 ng GM/ml, 45% increase in the antiestrogenicity of 1 &mgr;M TX (=0.56 ug TX/ml) was found. Interestingly, 5 &mgr;M TX alone induced 45% protection against the E2-induced cancer cell growth. Thus, the concentration of TX can be reduced by 20 percent to minimize (if not abolish) detrimental side effects without adversely affecting efficacy, as shown in FIG. 3 which illustrates the synergistic relationship between TX and FK or GM. 3 TABLE 3 Dose-Response Effect on E2 Induced MCF-7 Cell Proliferation 3H-Thymidine incorporation/&mgr;g protein Treatment % of control % protection Control 100 E2 (10 nM) 290 proliferation In the presence of 10 nM E2 FK 1 &mgr;M 34 66 FK 5 &mgr;M 22 78 FK 10 &mgr;M 14 86 TX 1 &mgr;M 79 21 TX 5 &mgr;M 54 46 TX 10 &mgr;M 25 75 GM 1 ng/ml no effect none GM 5 ng/ml no effect none GM 10 ng/ml 94 6 With 1 &mgr;M FK: FK + TX 1 &mgr;M + E2 43 57 FK + TX 5 &mgr;M + E2 21 79 FK + TX 10 &mgr;M + E2 13 87 With 5 &mgr;M FK: FK + TX 1 &mgr;M + E2 21 79 FK + TX 5 &mgr;M + E2 12 88 FK + TX 10 &mgr;M + E2 9 91

[0053] 4 TABLE 4 Interaction Between TX and GM on MCF-7 Cell Proliferation 3H-Thymidine incorporation/&mgr;g protein Treatment (% of control) % protection E2 10 Nm 100 proliferation GM 1 ng/ml 100 0 GM 5 ng/ml 100 0 GM 10 ng/ml 90 10 With 5 &mgr;M TX: + E2 54 46 + E2 + GM 1 ng/ml 54 46 + E2 + GM 5 ng/ml 50 50 + E2 + GM 10 ng/ml 25 75 E2 + FK 5 &mgr;M + GM 10 ng/ml + TX 31 69 5 &mgr;M

Example 4

[0054] Effect of cAMP Inducer on Efficacy and Stability of Tamoxifen MCF-7 cells were cultured in growth DMEM medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). At 85% confluence, cells were sub-cultured in 5% FBS serum stripped medium, phenol red free for 24 hours prior to the treatment of the test chemical. Cells were treated with 10 nM E2 (=2.7 ng E2/ml) with and without a mixture of 1 &mgr;M FK and 1 &mgr;M TX. Cell growth was measured 1, 2 and 5 days following treatment. Cell growth was determined by cell count using trypan blue exclusion. The study was done in duplicate and a control was used with solvent only. Control received solvent only at <. 1% ethanol. Results are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates that when the efficacy of TX and FK against E2 action was calculated based on the control value the following was found: (a) TX (1 &mgr;M =0.56 ug TX/ml) alone was able to antagonize the E2 action up to 48 hr after treatment and (b) this action of TX was sustained up to 4-5 days in the presence of 1 &mgr;M FK (FIG. 4).

[0056] FIG. 5 shows that when the efficacy of TX and FK was calculated as percentage of the E2-induced cell growth value the same conclusion was found except more stability and protection by TX was found in the presence of FK.

Example 5

[0057] Effect of Forskolin on Tamoxifen efficacy

[0058] MCF-7 cells were cultured in growth DMEM medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). At 85% confluence, cells were sub-cultured in 5% FBS serum stripped medium, phenol red free for 24 hours prior to the treatment of the test chemical. Cells were treated with and without a mixture of either 5 &mgr;M FK (2.05 &mgr;g FK/ml) and 1 &mgr;M TX (=0.56 ug TX/ml) or a mixture of 1 &mgr;M TX (=0.56 ug TX/ml) and 1 &mgr;M FK. Cell growth was measured 5 days following treatment. Cell growth was determined by cell count using trypan blue exclusion. The study was done in duplicate and a control was used with solvent only. Control received solvent only at <0.1% ethanol. Results are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Example 6

[0059] Effect of c-Src Kinase Inhibitor GM on Tamoxifen Efficacy

[0060] MCF-7 cells were cultured in growth DMEM medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). At 85% confluence, cells were sub-cultured in 5% FBS serum stripped medium, phenol red free for 24 hours prior to the treatment of the test chemical. Cells were treated with and without a mixture of either 5 ng GM/ml and 5 &mgr;M TX (=2.8 ug TX/ml) or a mixture of 10 ng GM/ml and 5 &mgr;M TX (=2.8 ug TX/ml). Cell growth was measured 5 days following treatment. Cell growth was determined by cell count using trypan blue exclusion. The study was done in duplicate and a control was used with solvent only. Control received solvent only at <0.1% ethanol. Results are shown in FIG. 8.

Example 7

[0061] Effect of mitogen activated protein kinases inhibitor PD98059 on TX efficacy

[0062] MCF-7 cells were cultured in growth DMEM medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). At 85% confluence, cells were sub-cultured in 5% FBS serum stripped medium, phenol red free for 24 hours prior to the treatment of the test chemical. Cells were treated with and without a mixture of 5 &mgr;M TX (=2.8 ug TX/ml) and 2 &mgr;M PD98059. Cell growth was measured 5 days following treatment. Cell growth was determined by cell count using trypan blue exclusion. The study was done in duplicate and a control was used with solvent only. Control received solvent only at <0.1% ethanol. Results are shown in FIG. 9. p The above Examples show, inter alia, that (a) signal transduction cascades are vital in the cancer cell growth and cell proliferation and (b) CAMP inducers (e.g., FK), c-Src kinase inhibitors (e.g., GM) and MAPK inhibitors (e.g., PD98059) synergize the anticancer activity of tamoxifen in breast cancer cells. In general, one or more signal transduction modulators may be used in combination with plant essential oil compounds and derivatives thereof to provide anti-proliferative, anti-estrogenic and/or anti-mitogenic compositions for prophylactically and/or therapeutically treating soft tissue cancers.

[0063] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one plant essential oil compound and at least one signal transduction modulator.

2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the plant essential oil compound is selected from the group consisting of aldehyde C16 (pure), amyl cinnamic aldehyde, amyl salicylate, anisic aldehyde, benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, &agr;-terpineol, carvacrol, carveol, citral, citronellal, citronellol, p-cymene, diethyl phthalate, dimethyl salicylate, dipropylene glycol, eucalyptol (cineole), eugenol, iso-eugenol, galaxolide, geraniol, guaiacol, ionone, d-limonene, menthol, methyl anthranilate, methyl ionone, methyl salicylate, a-phellandrene, pennyroyal oil perillaldehyde, 1- or 2-phenyl ethyl alcohol, 1- or 2-phenyl ethyl propionate, piperonal, piperonyl acetate, piperonyl alcohol, D-pulegone, terpinen4-ol, terpinyl acetate, 4-tert butylcyclohexyl acetate, thyme oil, thymol, metabolites of trans-anethole, vanillin, and ethyl vanillin.

3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the signal transduction modulator is selected from the group consisting of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (CAMP)/cAMP-dependent protein kinase, tyrosine kinase, calcium phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (PKC), mitogen activated protein kinase family members, calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, and growth factor receptor inhibitors.

4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, further comprising tamoxifen.

5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the soft tissue cancer is breast cancer.

7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the plant essential oil compound is eugenol.

8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the plant essential oil compound is thymol.

9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the plant essential oil compound is isoeugenol.

10. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the plant essential oil compound is benzyl alcohol.

11. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the plant essential oil compound is carvacrol.

12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the plant essential oil compound is cinnamic alcohol.

13. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the plant essential oil compound is cinnamic aldehyde.

14. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the plant essential oil compound is citronellal.

15. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the plant essential oil compound is trans-anethole.

16. A method for treating cancer, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of claim 1.